Get your big city groove on in Central Maryland cities like Baltimore, Annapolis and Columbia, or change the pace for some small town sizzle in Bel Air, Westminster and bayside Havre De Grace.

With amazing attractions like the National Aquarium, historic Fells Point, hip, downtown Annapolis and the beautiful Symphony Woods and Merriweather Post Pavillion of Columbia, there’s a lot to do in the Central Region. Scratch the surface a bit more for amazing winery tours at standout vineyards like Boordy, Royal Rabit and Fiore. Visit iconic favorites like the Union Hotel Restaurant & Tavern, a legendary motorcycle destination. Stop at Conowingo Dam and try to count the bald eagles (you may need an abacus!). Maryland’s Central Region is the heart of it all!

Top Things to See and Do in Central Maryland

From Annapolis—Maryland’s capital city and the Sailing Capital of the World—to the bustling metropolis of Baltimore, to the Piedmont forests and the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, the Central Region offers thriving cultural destinations, history, music and more. With so much to do, where do you start? Try our list of 10 can’t-miss Central Maryland favorites!

1 Spend a Day on the Bay at North Point State Park

Relax on the beach, go for a swim, cast a line off the jetty or go for a nature stroll and spot some of this 1,300-acre bayfront park’s herons and bald eagles. Make sure to check out the historic trolley stop and fountains still standing from the time when North Point was the old Bay Shore amusement park.

2 Feel the Funk at Merriweather Post Pavilion

The lawn at Merriweather is where music memories are made. This legendary outdoor amphitheater, nestled into Symphony Woods in the heart of downtown Columbia, is the perfect place to catch the biggest bands around. The annual Capital Jazz Fest is a can’t-miss event.

3 Have Some (REALLY) Old School Fun at Renn Fest or Medieval Times

Lace up your bodice and jerkins, grab a turkey leg and prepare for some good “Olde” fashioned fun at the Maryland Renaissance Festival, one of the biggest renn fests in the country. Haven’t gotten your jousting fill? Check out Medieval Times at Arundel Mills for year-round sword and sorcery fun.

4 Go for Primo Vino on a Wine Trail Tour

Maryland’s Central Region is home to some of the Old Line State’s finest wineries. Take the Carroll Wine Trail through Carroll County or travel the Piedmont Trail with eight wineries in the region. Events and tastings run year round pairing good wines with great times.

5 Have a Crab Feast at the Ballpark at an Ironbirds Game

There’s nothing in the world like steamed crabs and America’s Pastime, which makes Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen just about the best place to be for baseball. See the future Orioles on the field while getting into some heavy crabs straight out of the steamer in this gem of a ballpark.

6 Oh Say, Have You Seen the Ramparts at Fort McHenry?

Built on a beautiful peninsula at the head of Baltimore Harbor, Fort McHenry and its brave defenders saved the city during the War of 1812 and gave America its National Anthem. The fort’s flag inspired Francis Scott Key to pen “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the 15 brilliant stars of its enormous flag continue to inspire to this day.

7 Visit the U.S. Naval Academy

Take a walking tour on the historic grounds of the United States Naval Academy, where the next generation of Navy leaders are made. Visiting the beautiful crypt of John Paul Jones, father of the American navy, is a transformative experience. Be sure to catch a Mids game at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium.

8 Head Down to the Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole

In the dog-days of summer, there’s no better way to beat the heat than to take the plunge into a real, old-fashioned swimming hole.Oregon Ridge Beach, the Beaver Dam Swimming Club and Cascade Lake are ideal oases away from the summer swelter.

Train buffs can touch—and even ride—the amazing collection of historical iron at this one-of-a-kind museum. For kids, the rides, games and occasional visits from Thomas make this museum a must. Plus, how often do you get to visit a site from the Monopoly board?

10 Sit at the Annapolis Dock by the Chesapeake Bay and Watch the Tide Roll Away

Grab a drink and watch the sunset over Ego Alley, the perfect spot for ogling the most amazing yachts around. Then stroll Annapolis’s historic streets for unique shopping and dining, and catch amazing music at the original Rams Head Tavern just a few short steps from the state house.

Central Maryland Photos & Videos

Baltimore Inner Harbor at Night

This historic seaport is the unofficial center of it all in Baltimore, with museums, shopping and culinary hotspots.

Ladew Topiary Gardens

Tour the fantastically created topiaries at Ladew Topiary Gardens.

King and Queen's Seat at Rocks State Park

Climb the King and Queen's Seat at this state park and enjoy the vistas of the park's lush forests.

Annapolis City Dock

Come tour historic Annapolis, stroll the waterfront, and visit the State Capitol.

Havre de Grace Marina

Set sail from the bay town of Havre de Grace and enjoy the stunning sunsets.

Central Maryland

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Central Maryland Accommodations

Find places to stay in Central Maryland here, including hotels, B&Bs and Inns and more.